Laura Haywood Gurley died at her home in Lakemont on Oct. 22, 2022, after a brief illness.
A native of Atlanta and a sixth-generation Georgian, Mrs. Gurley was a graduate of Ridgeview High School and of the University of Georgia. She was born Oct. 21, 1959, daughter of Betty Jo McDonald and Thomas Haywood.
She was Chair of the Rabun County Tourism Development Authority, President of the Sky Valley POA, and President of the Rabun County Music Festival Association, founded by her father in 1999. She spent many years as an employee and Bible study leader at the First United Methodist Church in Alpharetta where she touched countless lives and enjoyed opportunities to share her faith with others.
She is survived by her husband, William OKeeffe Gurley; sister, Nancy Sherman; children, Hank Gurley and his wife Elizabeth, of New York, New York; Lance Gurley and his wife Rebecca, of Dallas, Texas; Liza and Zach Eaves of Birmingham, Alabama; and by 11 grandchildren.
Visitation was held at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Ga., from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. There will be a graveside service at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, followed by a reception at the Piedmont Driving Club. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Clayton First United Methodist Church Clayton First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 703 Clayton, GA 30525 or to the charity of your choice.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
October 27, 2022